Doncaster Rovers 'as important' to Matt Smith's European Championship hopes as current international break

The midfielder has linked up with the Wales national team for a three match run during the final international break before the European Championship in June.

While the 21-year-old is determined to impress the national team coaches over the next week, and look to add to his 12 senior caps, Smith says continuing to perform at club level with Doncaster Rovers is just as important as he looks to secure a place in the Wales squad for the Euros.

“It’s an honour to play for Wales and get an opportunity to play,” he told the Free Press.

“I spoke to the gaffer last season when I wasn’t playing regularly and he said it was really important for me to get games.

“I’ve had that this season with Doncaster and I’ve just got to keep doing it and improving.

“Hopefully, I can do that and I can be involved in the squad for much longer.

“I’ve just kept my focus on Doncaster and I think it’s all you can do. When it comes time for a call-up you switch your focus.

“You’ve just got to do all you can at club level to be in with a chance to be in the squad.

“But it’s important that you don’t think about those things too much and you don’t really have time to with the fixtures coming up, or worry about things in the future.”

Smith has made 32 appearances for Rovers this season since joining on loan from Manchester City and has emerged into being one of the most important players in the squad.

He could feature tonight for Wales as they visit Belgium in a World Cup qualifier. A friendly with Mexico follows on Saturday before they host the Czech Republic in another qualifier next Tuesday.

“It’s a good opportunity for me to be in and around the squad come the summer,” he said.

“It’s hard work so I’ve just got to keep my head down, keep working and see what happens.

“It’s good being away and it;s a big opportunity for me. It’s an honour to represent my country.”

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